“We regret the (departure) of Murilo and Mauricio Rua,” commented Fedrigo indicating that they were leaving to form their own team in the United States. “The doors of Chute Boxe will always be open to them and we wish them good luck.”

The Rua brothers are the latest in a number of talented fighters that have made the decision to leave Chute Boxe recently.

Shogun is a former Pride Middleweight Grand Prix winner and Ninja a former EliteXC middleweight champion.

The most high profile fighter to leave has been former Pride middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva, who is set to make his Ultimate Fighting Championship return on Dec. 29 against Chuck Liddell.

Andre “Dida” Amade, who made it to the K-1 Hero’s 154-pound tournament final this year, also announced his decision to leave the team recently. He is moving to Canada to accept an offer to teach mixed martial arts and Muay Thai.

“I have talked with Master Rafael Cordeiro and I’ve never seen him so sad with anything,” said Dida of his decision to leave. “He was disappointed with the news. I consider him as a father, but I have to leave.”

The departure of the Rua brothers along with Silva and Amade will have a tremendous impact on the once dominant Brazilian team. The foursome represents much of the success that the team has had in recent years.